Memorial Day
May 25, 2026
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May. In 2026, it falls on May 25.
Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering and honoring U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. It’s distinct from Veterans Day, which honors all who have served.
Origins
Began after the Civil War as “Decoration Day”
People would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers
Officially became a federal holiday in 1971
The red poppy flower is often worn as a symbol of remembrance (inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields)
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
My Near Death Experience Arts and Thoughts 
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